Gift from Paul Allen Pushes KEXP’s New Home Past Campaign Milestone

KEXP is proud to announce that philanthropist and entrepreneur Paul G. Allen has made a gift of $500,000 to KEXP’s New Home.

As a lifelong music lover and longtime KEXP supporter, Mr. Allen’s gift helps in KEXP’s ongoing evolution and ensures that KEXP continues to be a resource for Seattle and music lovers world-wide.

This gift is another example of Mr. Allen’s ongoing support for listener-powered KEXP. In 2001, venture philanthropy from Mr. Allen enabled KEXP to move off the University of Washington campus and into its Dexter Street building, where many of the station’s best-loved programs—including exclusive videos and live, in-studio performances—grew and flourished. Mr. Allen’s investment helped KEXP transform from a valued local radio station to a global music tastemaker. The most recent phase in this transformation is KEXP’s move to Seattle Center.

photo courtesy SkB Architects

KEXP plans to recognize Mr. Allen’s longstanding support on the artist entrance to our expanded Live Room. One of the hallmark features of the new Live Room is the adjacent viewing gallery, which allows up to 75 people to view in-studio performances at no charge. We’re honored to acknowledge this gift in a way that recognizes Mr. Allen’s passion for live music and the joy these performances can bring.

“Over the years, KEXP has helped so many great bands reach a broader audience, and the Live Room will enable it to keep expanding and enriching that legacy,” said Mr. Allen. “It’s a dynamic venue that musicians and audience are going to love.”

Along with over $100,000 in gifts made to KEXP’s New Home at Seattle Center leading up to its Grand Opening celebration last month, Mr. Allen’s contribution has helped KEXP’s New Home surpass the targeted $15 million fundraising goal for its capital campaign, which concludes June 30, 2016.

Thank you to the more than 8,000 music lovers—including Mr. Allen—that donated to help build KEXP’s New Home. You did it! And we’re thrilled to welcome you inside to share more “music that matters.”